Children begin learning before they are even born. Some might wonder how this is possible if the baby hasn't taken his first breath yet, but it's true. Brain development begins in the fourth week of the first trimester in the womb. This is important because development helps a child learn and grow, influencing their future learning, education and social skills. Brain development begins right in the womb and continues to thrive after birth. A child's brain develops through neurons and their connections via synapses. Neurons communicate at synapses through the use of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals sent between neurons, as well as the muscles and organs they work with. They attach to receptors on receiving cells, translating into messages. Synapses, the mental connections between nerve cells, must be strengthened so that they can remain active. For example, if a parent incorporates music into a child's life, those connections will be strong, allowing the child to be musically talented and, more likely, able to switch between instruments. On the other hand, if a parent does not strengthen a child's musical skills, he or she may not be able to learn to play an instrument in the future. Additionally, brain development is influenced by nutrition, speech, environment, education or neglect, and early childhood programs, all of which occur in two periods of life. The development of a baby's brain is influenced by events that occur in the womb and after birth. The mother's influences have an effect on the development of the baby's brain while in the womb. Two of these influences are the nutrition he eats and the way he speaks. A fetus goes through three trimesters before being born. In the first quarter there are t......middle of paper......Carmo. “Effects of maternal malnutrition and postnatal nutritional rehabilitation on brain fatty acids, learning and memory.” Nutrition Reviews 69.3 (2011): 132-144. MEDLINE. Network. November 13, 2013.Luby, J., et al. “The Effects of Poverty on Child Brain Development.” Mediating effect of caregiving and stressful life events: n. page Abstract. MEDLINE. Network. November 13, 2013. Morrison, George S. Foundations of Early Childhood Education. 7th ed. Texas: University of North Texas, 2008. Print.Painter, Kirstin and Maria Scannapieco. “Child Maltreatment: The Neurobiological Aspects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.” Journal Of Evidence-Based Social Work 10.4 (2013): 276-284. CINAHL. Network. November 13. 2013.